Comments on: Can fizzy drinks ever be ethical & other kids drinks dilemmas

By: Pauline

Pauline — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:29:04 +0000

I have two boys and we do a lot of outdoor activities. We’ve decided to stop using plastic bottles altogether, which is a bit tough, especially when you forget your aluminum sports bottle. We found this product called Glacia ICEBOX water. It’s water in a box! It’s made from totally recycled material and is itself completely recyclable! The water comes from the mineral rich Rustad Spring in Norway. But the best thing is my boys LOVE it! They think the box is interesting and fun and they say the water tastes “sweet”. I can leave it in the car and it doesn’t get that nasty plastic taste they used to complain about. Plus, it holds up well in an ice chest and stacks great. P.

By: Helen

Helen — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:01:09 +0000

We’ve been making our own drinks, I’ve made elderflower cordial this year using fairtrade sugar, and last year I made my own ribena substitute which went down very well, also raspberry syrup and blackberry syrup. All cheaper to have than commercial stuff, no additives other than sugar to taste. Also started a ginger beer plant with the kids, it has been a great success and ginger beer plantlets are making the rounds in our neighbourhood. All the drinks have only as little sugar [or sweetener if you wish] as your family will accept, and the kids enjoy making them, diluting them with fizzy water [or fizzy wine for the adults] is also good.

By: Patricia Finney

Patricia Finney — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:27:48 +0000

Hi – just found this website when I was looking for something else (wind up walkie talkies since you ask). Great website BTW.
OK, giving kids fizzy drinks. My 19yr old middle son who has Aspergers refuses pointblank to drink anything other than water or milk (he’ll sip tea if pushed). Result? He has fantastic teeth despite eating a lot of sweets and is ridiculously healthy despite refusing to touch any green food other than broccoli or peas. I think it’s well worth getting your kids off fizzy drinks – especially those with (spit! yuck!) aspartame in them. I simply don’t buy them. When asked to, I forget. I buy fizzy water which can be mixed with juice and I make real lemonade sometimes. Youngest son is allowed coca cola only at weekends because it used to make him hyper. It’s easier for me because I don’t like fizzy drinks myself (apart from cider, of course) and I’m a single mum. Don’t say no. Just “forget” persistently. They give up eventually if the stuff isn’t in the fridge and it isn’t a battle.

By: Fred Ualliac de Civ du bout du bois tout vert

Fred Ualliac de Civ du bout du bois tout vert — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:06:27 +0000

That would not be only cruel, but counter-productive

By: Marty

Marty — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:30:48 +0000

If you can get them used to the somewhat 'acquired' taste of some of the James White organic juices they have some unique flavours as well as great health benefits! They're vegan-friendly too!

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:17:09 +0000

Interesting post Helen, have you tried the whole earth cans? there's a pretty decent choice for us organic junkies:)

By: John Hinton

John Hinton — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:46:45 +0000

Selecting the 'right' drink can be a bit of a challenge. I was invited to a barbeque a week or so ago, and being a thoughful sort of guest I asked if I could bring anything along. 'Soft drinks for the kids' was the request. So I opted for the lemonade and ginger beer from Belvoir they went down a treat, great taste and bottled in glass not plastic - I'd highly recommend them.